Do perceived Social Emotional Learning competences influence tobacco use among adolescents in Brasov? – A FRESHAIR4Life project

Background: This research takes place under FRESHAIR4Life project that aims to reduce the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden by implementing preventive interventions targeting adolescents’ exposure to tobacco use and air pollution (AP). Surveys reveal high smoking rates among Romanian adolescents, including the use of emerging tobacco products. In cultures like Romania, where adult smoking is normalized, turning 18 is seen as a milestone of maturity, often prompting the initiation of smoking as an "adult" behavior. Maturity is demonstrated through behavior that reflects emotional health and wisdom, which are nurtured in families and should be systematically cultivated in schools, preferably through a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. The literature highlights that youth education, including SEL competencies, fosters positive social interactions, enhances flexible thinking, promotes effective regulation of emotions and behavior, and supports responsible decision-making, including a reduction in substance use. In Romania, the career appraisal of counseling teachers has only recently initiated by incorporating the SEL curriculum. Previous publications highlighted that young people often do not perceive smoking as a problem or health threat. Instead, they tend to believe they have the ability to quit whenever they choose, underestimating the addictive nature of tobacco use, and their level of emotional and social skills. Methodology: Thematic analysis of qualitative data - 2 interviews, 6 focus group (34 participants) that lasted 1 hour each and creative participatory research method: Photovoice 2 (15 participants). Selection of adolescent was through universities and high schools, the activities were organized during school (and even outside) or study hours and the topic discussed were both tobacco use and AP almost equally. Questions to Discuss: Is deductive thematic analysis the best approach to explore our data? Could deductive thematic analysis in this branch of research complement the data we have and plan to inductively analyze for the primary FRESHAIR4Life project?